YOUNGSTERS from the Parish of Innerleithen, Cardrona, Traquair and Walkerburn have been urged to apply for a £750 grant.

Applications for the 2024 Allen and Margaret Wilson Memorial Fund, awarded biennially, have just opened for 16-20-year-olds with a deadline of April 30.

It was set up in August 1967 in memory of two Innerleithen doctors, Allen and Margaret Wilson, 44 and 42 respectively, who died following a collision with a lorry on the A1 in Hertfordshire, while on holiday that June.

Fraser Edwards, the parish minister, said: “As they were very involved in the local community, a trust fund was established from donations made by local people.

“It is awarded every other year to a local youngster.”

There are various criteria attached to applying for the grant including that the application must be written by the young person and not a parent or guardian.

The applicant should demonstrate a strong passion for their chosen field or area of interest, whether it be academic, musical, arts, sports or personal development.

They should present a clear vision of how the award will help them achieve their goals and contribute to their growth.

There should be a detailed explanation of how the £750 award will be used to support their education, personal development or pursuit of their passion.

Funds might be awarded for purchasing a laptop, musical instrument, art materials, sporting equipment or travel expenses to attend a specific course or defined event.

The selection committee – composing Reverend Edwards, a member of the Wilson family and someone from the local community – will evaluate applications based on these criteria and standards.

Each application is assessed on its individual merits and the final decision will be made by the committee.

The award of £750 is granted to the most deserving applicant who will be notified by the end of May.

A further grant of £750 is made from the fund to an academic fellow in general practice to recognise and congratulate their work in medical research.

For more information go to: itwcos.org/wilson/ or email FEdwards@churchofscotland.org.uk